A PLANNING application for 14 flats in Maindee which would see a church demolished is set to be given the go-ahead at a council meeting next week.

Derwen Cymru has submitted an application to Newport City Council for the demolition of St Matthew's Church and for the construction of 14 affordable apartments for over 55s on its place.

The report outlines that the existing church is no longer open for worship and that the applicant says that it has fallen into disrepair.

"Whilst attractive, the existing church isn't considered worthy of protection and it's not within a Conservation Area," it said.

The report also said that the redevelopment of the site, on Church Road, is "acceptable in principle" and that the proposed properties address a clearly identified need for affordable housing in Maindee.

There are said to currently be 362 affordable housing applications for either single people or couples over the age of 55 specifically requesting the Maindee area and, at present, the proposals are the only opportunity to address this need in the area.

In a letter to the council, Mohammad Asghar AM, whose constituency office is on the same road, said that he is "deeply concerned" about the proposals though.

"Locals have raised concerns about the amount of annoyance, disturbance and problems that this will create for parking," he added. "A new block of flats with no adequate parking will add more problems for those who already live in the area."

He continued: "We don't have that many churches in Newport and it's a nicer sight than a block of flats.

"A church or a youth club for local residents would have been preferable."

The council report, in its conclusion, recommends that the application be granted subject to conditions, saying the scheme has "significant merits", including the provision of affordable housing.

"The layout and design of the development is considered to be good and the proposals would not result in detrimental impact on neighbouring occupants," it says.

St Matthew’s Church, which was built in the 1890s when Maindee was rapidly developing, closed in 2014 due to dry rot, which rendered the building unsafe.

To view the full application visit newport.gov.uk and search 16/0195.

Wednesday’s planning committee meeting at Newport Civic Centre is open to the public and will begin at 10am.